It was evident the New York Giants needed a change after their Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears. That led to Brian Daboll's release and the franchise appointing offensive coordinator Mike Kafka as interim head coach. Still, the changes continue to come as the losses accumulate every week.
After Sunday's overtime loss to the Detroit Lions, another change was needed, and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was fired on Monday. Week 12's loss marked the fifth time this season -- and the third straight game -- that the G-Men's defense has blown a fourth-quarter lead, and there are no more excuses for it.
With the Giants sitting 2-10 and the first team in the league to be eliminated from playoff contention, most fans have shifted their attention to next season, where a new head coach will be at the helm. For now, Kafka will lead Big Blue and make all the critical decisions on and off the field, including changes to his staff.
Mike Kafka checked in with Joe Schoen before firing Shane Bowen
Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reported that before Kafka decided to relieve Bowen of his duties, he consulted with general manager Joe Schoen.
Related: Mike Kafka gives update on polarizing coach’s involvement with Giants staff
The 38-year-old met with the media on Monday morning to address Bowen's firing, stating that it was his decision, but it is a collaborative operation and has always been. Kaf added that "the results just weren't what we wanted them to be," which is what led to his decision.
"The results just weren't what we wanted them to be."
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 24, 2025
Mike Kafka talks about the "tough decision" of letting Shane Bowen go as the Giants' defensive coordinator: pic.twitter.com/ZGG8WQidV8
Many also expected Schoen to be fired at some point, but the organization quickly shut down those rumors in its statement when Daboll was fired. The team still believes in the talent on this roster and that the much-maligned GM can continue to run the front office and lead the search for the franchise's next head coach.
In the meantime, Kafka will continue to lead the G-Men and call the plays on offense, and outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen will take over the defense. While it doesn't appear likely that Kafka will be the head coach next year, consider the next few weeks his official audition to turn things around.
Fans can expect several candidates to show interest in the job, as the Giants will have players like Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo returning from injuries, Jaxson Dart will have a full season under his belt, and they are projected to have a top-three draft pick in next year's NFL Draft.